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August 2005

Attendees:  Dan LeBrun (New Hope), Annemarie Matulis (SEMA-VAV), Milly Burrows (AHS, Inc.), Kellie Nason (New Hope).

Announcements:

Dan reviewed some of the structure & staff changes at New Hope, Inc. Kellie Nason was welcomed as the new Coordinator for Community Services. Dan also shared, with regret, that he will be stepping aside as the committee’s co-chair within the next couple of months. 

Thanks to Millie & Annemarie for taking and editing committee minutes.

Old Business:

Cost of self-stick purple ribbons: Dan shared prices & styles of materials researched with the help of Jane Doe, Inc. resources (www.theribbonlady.com & www.lifejackets.com).  After evaluating several options, the committee voted to invest $300.00 in self-stick ribbons as well as purple ribbon stickers to distribute throughout the vigil & other DV Awareness events in October.  Dan will order materials ASAP.  The goal is to fill the Green with people this year.

New Business:

a) October 3rd, 2005, National Day of Unity Candle Light Vigil, Taunton Green (this will be the 3rd consecutive year)

How to share costs? SEMA-VAV will cover the costs to “rent” the Taunton Green ($90.00) for the vigil & the First Parish Church ($75.00) for the Clothesline Project.  If paper is supplied by SEMA-VAV, New Hope will make the copies of the announcement flyers for distribution. 

Discussion/Ideas: Distribute stickers & ribbons to businesses/agencies around the Green the week before the vigil, requesting that they be worn to heighten awareness.  Request setting up an informational display in the lobby/employee lunchroom.  Speakers for vigil program?  For this year (the 3rd), keep to local/state leaders (for example, Attorney General Tom Reilly, Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, Mayor Nunes, Sen. Marc Pacheco, Rep. Jim Fagan, Rep. Barney Frank, etc.). Next year, reach out to regional leaders, Patriot’s organization, etc.  SEMA-VAV will be collecting cell phones during the day at both locations for the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grant.  Request all churches ring bells from 7:00 – 7:15 PM.

b) Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October

1) Distribution of the Gift of Hope Action Kits.  SEMA-VAV continues to grow; members have signed up to distribute in Taunton & surrounding towns.  To thank the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Grant for the funding to create the Action Kits, purple & white baskets/buckets will be placed throughout the city & surrounding towns to collect used cell phones (New Hope & SEMA-VAV benefit from this project).

2) Informational displays – where to set-up?  Any business/agency/school/church who requests one.  Volunteers will be calling/stopping in to request a display be set up.  Outreach to the industrial park, Chamber of Commerce, hospitals, etc. also planned.

3) Purple Ribbons.  Urge people to wear at least a week, preferably for the entire month.  We need to lead by example ourselves.

4) The Clothesline Project.  Josie Sperry’s all set for October 3rd

5) Media coverage.  Need help.  If anyone has specific contacts, please let us know.  Annemarie will set up an appointment with the Taunton Gazette’s new City Desk Editor.  Discussed how to better use Web sites & Cable to promote activities.  Need to outreach TV, Cable, other papers, etc.

Other Business:

1) GATHER/GTHHSC Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20th, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, at Bristol-Plymouth H.S. Forms have been mailed/circulated.

2) Through My Eyes: Voices Against Violence, Voices of Hope 2005 Edition.  Deadline for submissions is October 15th.  Already have a packet from Hingham H.S. as well as several poems.  Please pass on the entry forms.

3) A Gift of Hope for All Ages – National Make a Difference Day, October 22nd, 2005.  There will be 3 phases of action for volunteers: Elderly Abuse, Early Intervention & No Bullying (more details ASAP).  This will also include additional work at Triumph Head Start’s beautification project from 2004.  Did not achieve the $7000 Lowe’s Foundation grant but have outreached the local Lowe’s store, Wal-Mart, Home Depot & some local garden centers for donations/help to complete the architectural landscaping/planting.

4) “The Holidays Are No Excuse For Violence”  No discussion.

5) Fashion Bug has a “make a difference” type program called “Voices,” with five $20,000 awards.  Dan & Annemarie will collaborate on essay to submit by August 31st deadline. 

Next Steps:

Order self-stick purple ribbons & sheets of stickers (Dan)

Extend invitation to speakers for the candle light vigil (Annemarie) [Note: invitations have already been extended to Lt. Gov. Healy & State Attorney General Tom Reilly; awaiting responses]

Create & submit essay to Fashion Bug’s “Voices” Foundation (Dan & Annemarie)

Outreach community to generate support for & participation at the candle light vigil (everyone)

Invite churches to ring bells for the vigil (SEMA-VAV)

Invite libraries to set up informational displays about DV, child abuse, etc. for the month of October (SEMA-VAV)

Next Meetings:

GATHER DV/VP: 9/15/05 (3rd Thursday of the Month), 3:30, New Hope, 39 Taunton Green

Contact Persons:

Annemarie Matulis, 508-824-3227 or 508-922-7278 cell

Dan LeBrun, 508-226-4015